Hulk Hogan v Gawker day 1: What you need to know

No title belt is on the line, but that doesn't mean the stakes aren't high. The case — centering on a sex tape of Hogan posted by Gawker in 2012 — poses some of the toughest questions about journalism in the digital age and the limits of the First Amendment.

On Monday, the trial kicked off round one of what could be a long bout. Gawker founder and CEO Nick Denton has already admitted that it's a fight that is expected to go several rounds.

What's at stake

The central question of the case is whether the newsworthiness of the sex-video clip published by Gawker outweighs Hogan's right to privacy.

Gawker's argument boils down to the fact that Hogan is a public figure who had publicly discussed his sex life and the tape itself. They argue that this makes his tape worthy of publication under the First Amendment.

Hogan is arguing that Gawker published something showing one of the most intimate aspects of a person's life, and that it did so in part because it would cause pain and embarrassment for Hogan.

Chip Stewart, media law professor at Texas Christian University, said that courts have generally given the benefit of the doubt on these cases to the media. The Hogan v. Gawker case is important because it could set a new standard for newsworthiness and privacy.

"It really pushed the bounds of what a court would consider to be 'newsworthy,'" Stewart said in an email.

Stewart added that the case is being tried under Florida law, and that privacy laws vary depending on state. If either Hogan or Gawker take the case to an appeals court — something that is almost inevitable — it could end up setting an important precedent.

"I’m sure every judge — and celebrity, and publisher — will be looking at this case for guidance, particularly if it winds up on appeal," Stewart said.

In this corner: Hollywood Hulk Hogan

Hogan's real name is Terry Bollea, which almost no one uses — except in this court.

Bollea has been known as Hogan for the better part of four decades, in which his wrestling career made him one of the most recognizable figures in sports entertainment.

Hogan is now suing Gawker for $100 million for his emotional pain and loss of privacy.

In the other corner: Gawker

In professional wrestling, a heel is a character that is purposefully bad or evil. Fans are supposed to root against the heel and for the hero.

Heels may not be the most loved or cheered characters, but they're just as essential to the show as the hero.

Gawker has played that role in digital media from its earliest days.

Founded by Nick Denton in 2002, Gawker became a destination for an aggressive style of reporting on New York media gossip. The company blossomed into a variety of verticals on tech (Gizmodo), sports (Deadspin), culture and feminism (Jezebel) and a variety of others.

Where Hogan stops being Hogan and starts being Bollea could be an important element in the case, as Gawker representatives have defended their decision to publish the video based on his public statements about his sex life on shows such as Howard Stern.

After a break, Hogan returned to be cross examined by a lawyer for Gawker.

During the questioning, Hogan admitted that he had lied in public appearances about the sex tape. Hogan said in court that he did not watch the tape Gawker posted.

The defense then played a recording of Hogan saying in an interview he had watched it. Hogan claimed that he had been in character and lied in the interview.

In 2012 interview with Sway, Hogan said he watched about a minute of the Gawker clip, contradicting what he said in depositions #hulkvsgawk

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